Briton faces jail for sex on Dubai beach

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Title – Briton faces jail for sex on Dubai beach
Source – The Independent
Date – 10th July 2008

Just a month ago we were warning that a number of people visiting UAE were unwittingly finding themselves facing stiff sentences for drugs offences; in one case simply because poppy seeds were found on their shirt after eating a roll for breakfast in the UK before travelling.

Here we are again with two Britons facing very serious charges and potentially long gaol terms for an offence which in the UK carries less severe punishment or a slap on the wrist and a healthy dose of embarrassment. In Dubai any sense of embarrassment has no doubt been forgotten with the threat of three years inside a Dubai gaol, loss of employment, deportation and an expansive legal battle, not to mention the effects on family and friends.

But the fact is they were not in the UK, they were in Dubai and they probably should have known better and informed themselves better; if nothing else they should have had more respect for their hosts. I’m not condoning the very stiff sentences some countries dish out for these offences, it is difficult for me to agree with them because of the culture I come from. However when I travel, I take time to learn about the culture of the country I am visiting and I appreciate that I should show respect to my hosts, because as a guest I am privileged to be there and I do not take the approach that the country is lucky to have me there.

Many countries have laws that we find at best ‘odd’ and worst ‘ridiculous’, but as I always tell people ‘if you don’t agree with the law in another country, don’t visit!’

UAE is not alone in having strict decency laws, the list of offences includes; sex outside of marriage; cohabitation; adultery; homosexual behaviour. In Laos for example it is illegal for a foreigner to have a sexual relationship with a Laos national. In other countries any sign of affection in public is considered illegal and activities such as holding hands and kissing in public can land you in hot water.

The key is to ‘know before you go’. That’s where we come in. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop provides candidates with the information they require to travel more safely. We teach conflict resolutions kills and personal safety techniques, but also examine aspect of Cultural Awareness that will affect you at your destination(s), reducing the instance of Culture Shock. We also examine the practical aspects of travel such as Travel Equipment, Visas, Travel Health, Travel Safety and Transport Options.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.